Little White Lies

No lie is small or white; none get a pass.

Elisha prayed and asked God to “smite the Syrian army with blindness” when they surrounded the city, looking for God’s prophet. God’s blindness altered their eyesight and minds; they were unaware of where they were and to whom they spoke. Standing outside the city, Elisha told the Syrians they wouldn’t find the prophet in Dothan and offered to guide them where they would see him: “. . . This is not the way, neither is this the city, follow me. . .” (2 Kings 6:19b). They accepted his service, and God opened their eyes in Samaria, their enemy’s camp. But God spared their lives, wanting them to acknowledge His mighty power, and they did.

Craftily using truth is acceptable in warfare, but not for escaping embarrassing moments, gaining advantages, or keeping well-kept secrets. The god of this world’s strategy is to blind the unsuspecting to God’s truth, sometimes causing unawareness of where they are and with whom they are in company. He is the father of lies, speaking deceptively and convincingly, saying, “Follow me.” His lies help no one but himself; some walk after him in confusion, bondage, and others to their destruction. But God sent His Son to open our eyes to His truth. As we rejoice in the birth of the Savior who came to save us, let’s honor God with our words, actions, and influences, speaking the truth of His love and salvation’s freedom from sin and the enemy’s grip.